Top 10
Acne Treatments
Doxycycline
is prescribed for severe
cases of acne, such as
other antibiotics like
tetracycline. Its commonly
recognized brand name is
Vibramycin.
Some people state that
doxycycline and minocycline
are just little more
effective as an acne
treatment than tetracycline.
What all three antibiotics
share in common is that they
treat acne by influencing
the growth of bacteria which
happens when acne infections
occur. Certain factors which
influence the absorption of
doxycycline as an acne
treatment are vitamins and
minerals such as iron,
magnesium, calcium,
antacids, and sodium
bicarbonate. These
supplements are best taken
two hours prior to taking
doxycycline. Warning:
medications like penicillin
and warfarin do not blend
well with doxycycline.
How to Take Doxycycline
Since the
absorption of doxycycline is
not harshly affected by
food, it's relatively safe
to take it with meals. For
the majority of acne
infections, doxycycline is
often taken either once or
twice every day for one to
two weeks.
DRUG
INTERACTIONS
It is
advised that doxycycline
should not be digested at
the same time when
taking magnesium, aluminum,
or calcium-based antacids
like Tums, Rolaids,
Mylanta, or Maalox. Also,
doxycycline must not be
taken along with minerals
that contain bismuth
subsalicylate.
Doxycycline can enhance
the workings of warfarin,
causing much thinning of the
blood; thus, a reduction in
warfarin dosage would be
highly recommended.
Side
Effects of Doxycycline
During
pregnancy doxycycline
may have a toxic impact on
the development of bones in
the fetus. For nursing
mothers doxycycline can be a
concern since it's secreted
into breast milk. A doctor
should decide what course to
take. Doxycycline can cause
diarrhea, loose stools,
abdominal aches, nausea,
vomiting, tooth
discoloration, deep sunburn.
Other side effects are
itching, flaking skin,
swelling of face and lips,
getting bruises more easily,
and urinating less
frequently. If these side
effects occur, it's advised
to obtain immediate medical
assistance.
Other
less severe side effects
include a skin rash, hives,
itching, facial swelling,
and even fainting.
